A woman was killed today in a tragic motorcycle collision with a Publix semitrailer truck. The crash occurred as both drivers were merging onto I-75 from I-4. The accident victim’s identity has not been released at this time, although it is known that she is a Davenport resident. Tampa Bay Times reported the 37 year old woman was traveling west on I-4 around 11:45 a.m. and exited on the outside lane onto the ramp that leads to I-75.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers at the scene of the crash said a Publix semitrailer driven by Lucius D. Andrews, 46, also exited on the same ramp on the inside lane. It’s unknown why the woman lost control of the motorcycle but when this happened she drifted into the right side of the trailer colliding with the trailer’s landing gear, causing her to be ejected onto the road.

Andrews was not aware of the crash and continued on until he was notified, at which time he returned to the scene of the accident. The crash is still being investigated.

NHTSA reports in 2008 5,000 motorcyclists were killed and 96,000 injured. In 2011, licensed motorcyclists accounted for only about 7% of Florida’s motoring public. Yet in 2010, motorcyclists and their passengers represented 14.3% of all fatalities on Florida’s roadways.

As a service to the residents of Florida, Jim Dodson Law frequently publishes news of local accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of accidents in Florida which result in serious injuries and at times, fatal injury. This report of the news does not imply there is an attorney client relationship.